This marks the second consecutive vintage for which we've given our top rating to Bill Stoller's team for their flagship Chardonnay, which is one of Oregon's most important examples because of the scale of its distribution across the country. Vineyard stewardship by Jason Tosch across the McDougall Road property where Stoller grew up takes in 400 acres, which makes it the … [Read more...] about Stoller Family Estate 2019 Chardonnay, Dundee Hills, $25
Outstanding
Long Shadows Vintners 2016 Pedestal Merlot, Columbia Valley, $65
As much acclaim as "king" Cab receives in Washington state, it was the quality of its Merlot grown that helped attract the attention of Michel Rolland - the famed Pomerol producer who has been a prized partner at Long Shadows since Allen Shoup recruited him to help launch the unique project west of Walla Walla. This time, the final blend of Merlot (75%), with Cabernet Sauvignon … [Read more...] about Long Shadows Vintners 2016 Pedestal Merlot, Columbia Valley, $65
Abeja 2016 Heather Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $75
This vintage marks the beginning of Daniel Wampfler and his wife, Amy Alvarez-Wampfler, as the winemakers at Abeja for the Harrisons, and this entire bottling is pulled from Abeja's prized Heather Hill Vineyard just north of the acclaimed SeVein project. The program of French oak, 40% new and the rest listed as "experienced," leads to aromas of cocoa powdered Chukar Cherry, … [Read more...] about Abeja 2016 Heather Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $75
Mt. Hood Winery 2012 Puerto Montaña Pinot Noir Dessert Wine, Columbia Gorge, $46
Four years after Rich Cushman began working on this fortified bottling of Pinot Noir for the Bickford family, he helped them earn Oregon Winery of the Year from Wine Press Northwest. "Puerto Montaña" translates to "mountain pass," and their scenic tasting room is just off Highway 35, which the Columbia Gorge gateway to Mount Hood. This smells like a cigar humidor is filled with … [Read more...] about Mt. Hood Winery 2012 Puerto Montaña Pinot Noir Dessert Wine, Columbia Gorge, $46
Bitner Vineyards 2016 Petit Verdot/Merlot, Snake River Valley $40
While Syrah, Tempranillo and Malbec are rightfully viewed as the red varieties that producers in Idaho's Snake River Valley are most bullish on, Petit Verdot recently became part of that discussion. In fact, a Petit Verdot was selected by a panel of judges from beyond the Gem State as the best red wine at the 2019 Idaho Wine Competition. Greg Koenig, the longtime winemaker for … [Read more...] about Bitner Vineyards 2016 Petit Verdot/Merlot, Snake River Valley $40